Community Math & Science Prep

Math proficiency at 40.8% trails the district average of 52% but represents remarkable growth from just 2% in 2016 — a fifteen-fold increase over eight years. ELA proficiency at 24.2% is below the district's 47% and has seesawed more than math, though 8th graders are performing notably stronger (27.9% ELA, 62.2% math). Science at 23.3% is the weakest area. The overall quality score of 1.3/4 reflects that this school is still catching up to district averages, but the math trajectory suggests instruction is working — especially for older students.

The survey data tells a striking story: 95% of parents are satisfied, and trust metrics are near-perfect — 100% for parent-teacher trust, parent-principal trust, and teacher instruction quality. Teachers report 98% trust in the principal and 100% collegial trust. However, chronic absenteeism is a serious issue at 68%, with male students at 72.6% and Hispanic students at 71.2%. Attendance sits at 91.4%, matching the district average, but the chronic absenteeism rate signals that many families struggle with consistent participation. Suspensions increased from 2 in 2021-22 to 5 in 2023-24, though the absolute numbers remain small.

With just 148 students across three grades, this is a small school with a predominantly Hispanic student body (78%), reflecting the Washington Heights neighborhood it serves. The economic need index of 88.5% is very high, and 39% of students have IEPs — a substantial special education population. The diversity index of 44% is modest, given the homogeneous Hispanic majority. Families report deep satisfaction and trust, suggesting the school has built strong community ties despite modest test scores.

Washington Heights is a high-density, transit-rich neighborhood in Upper Manhattan where families rely heavily on public transportation (96.55 transit score). The area has low homeownership (8%) and significant poverty (22%), but it scores high on family density (85.06). Safety scores are low (3.83/100), and environmental health indicators show concerns with lead exposure and asthma rates. There are parks and community resources in the area, though families should be aware of the safety context.

The neighborhood is highly walkable and accessible by subway — families arriving by car will find limited parking, but the area is well-served by the A, C, and 1 trains.